Right now, it may seem weird to consider Penn State as a school with Heisman candidates on the roster, but due to a potentially favorable schedule and Big 12 experience having transferred in, there is no reason to believe that at least one Nittany Lion could be headed to New York when all is said and done. While we may not quite know who, there is still a lot of talent that could end up surprising this season. Here are the to 5 Nittany Lions that could end up making a push for the most prestigious award in college football.
5. Quinton Martin Jr., RB
This ranking alone may seem a bit far-fetched as Martin may not even be expected to start for the Nittany Lions. However, during spring practices, it was his explosiveness, burst, and vision that impressed the coaching staff. While he only had 20 carries last season for 103 yards, one only has to go back to Martin’s high school days to see what he can bring to the table, as he rushed for 1,279 yards and 22 touchdowns in his junior season. Don’t be surprised if Martin takes a big leap this season. While it may not be enough to post Heisman numbers, he could be to this new generation of Penn State what Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen were throughout their illustrious careers.
4. Carson Hansen, RB
This ranking is purely down to the outlook of the depth chart. With Hansen almost certainly earning the RB1 nod, he will have more opportunities in terms of offensive output to put up big numbers. Still, during his time with Iowa State, one could say Hansen was more reliable than excitable. Receiving a heavy workload with 187 carries, Hansen grinded out 950 yards. If he wants to compete for the Heisman, he may have to double those numbers. He may not find much opportunity to in a new look offense. Still, his role as the potential starter alone could end up seeing him post huge stat lines week in week out.
3. Tony Rojas, LB
The only defensive player on this list, Rojas is also one of the lone holdovers on the roster from the James Franklin era. That belief and willingness alone should stand for something despite the challenge of having to play on the defensive side of the ball. His ability to track the ball and make big plays by himself could see him mentor several of Campbell’s best transfers as they make the transition to Big Ten Play. His 58 tackles in his standout junior year proves he is highly capable of achieving something special for the Nittany Lions in his last go-round with the squad.
2. Chase Sowell, WR
Sowell is a bit of an uncertainty right now as his injury status is still up in the air as he has not practiced much during the spring. Most importantly, this is his first opportunity to take the helm as the potential WR1 of an offense. Still, in a small sample size, Sowell has produced the numbers that could launch a potential surprise Heisman campaign. In a breakout year with Iowa State last year, he averaged an astonishing 19.9 yards per reception, as well as achieving elite separation with 7 catches over 20+ yards. Add in his rapport with QB Rocco Becht and that could make for a recipe for success for Sowell in this offense.
1. Rocco Becht, QB
At the end of the day, Becht stands as the sole standard bearer for any kind of Heisman case for the Happy Valley faithful to get behind. The most experienced QB in the nation, Becht represents the potential of this offense before taking a single snap as a Nittany Lion. If he immediately takes the Big Ten by storm, at the very least, the Nittany Lions could be shock Big Ten title and maybe even CFP contenders. However, if he does not prove up to snuff in a more competitive Big Ten race, then Penn State may need to do even more catching up to the elites of the conference. That potential momentum swing is why Rocco Becht is so pivotal and why any Heisman hopes for Penn State lie in his hands.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State football’s top Heisman contenders